Pull-action de-latching mechanisms for fiber optic modules

ABSTRACT

Fiber optic modules having a pull-actuator to unlatch and withdraw (i.e. unplug) it from a cage assembly or a module receptacle. The pull-actuator includes a pull-tab, an arm or push rod, and a catch to couple to a pivot-arm actuator. The pivot-arm actuator pivotally latches to the pull-actuator and to the cage assembly or module receptacle. The pull-actuator makes it easy to de-latch and unplug a fiber optic module. A nose grip is further provided to pull the fiber optic module away from the cage or module receptacle. A belly-to-belly mounting configuration is introduced for the pull-release fiber optic modules.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This non-provisional United States (U.S.) patent application claims thebenefit of and is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/939,413 filed on Aug. 23, 2001 by inventors Liew Chuang Chiu et al.entitled “PULL-ACTION DE-LATCHING MECHANISMS FOR FIBER OPTIC MODULES”which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/313,232filed on Aug. 16, 2001 by inventors Liew Chuang Chiu et al., entitled“DE-LATCHING MECHANISMS FOR FIBER OPTIC MODULES”; and also claims thebenefit of and is a continuation in part (CIP) of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/896,695, filed on Jun. 28, 2001 by inventorsLiew Chuang Chiu et al., titled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PUSH BUTTONRELEASE FIBER OPTIC MODULES” which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 60/283,843 filed on Apr. 14, 2001 byinventors Liew Chuang Chiu et al. entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FORPUSH BUTTON RELEASE FIBER OPTIC MODULES”, all of which are to beassigned to E2O Communications, Inc.

This non-provisional United States (U.S.) patent application is alsorelated to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/939,403 filed on Aug. 23,2001 by Liew C. Chiu et al., entitled “DE-LATCHING MECHANISMS FOR FIBEROPTIC MODULES”; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/656,779, filed onSep. 7, 2000 by Cheng Ping Wei et al.; U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/321,308, filed on May 27, 1999 by Wenbin Jiang et al.; and U.S.patent application Ser. No. 09/320,409, filed on May 26, 1999 by WenbinJiang et al., now U.S. Pat. No. 6,213,651B, all of which are to beassigned to E2O Communications, Inc.

FIELD

This invention relates generally to fiber optic modules. Moreparticularly, the invention relates to release mechanisms for unpluggingfiber optic modules.

BACKGROUND

Fiber optic modules can transduce electrical data signals in order totransmit optical signals over optical fibers. Fiber optic modules canalso transduce optical signals received over optical fibers intoelectrical data signals.

The size or form factor of fiber optic modules is important. The smallerthe form factor of a fiber optic module, the less space taken on aprinted circuit board to which it couples. A smaller form factor allowsa greater number of fiber optic modules to be coupled onto a printedcircuit board to support additional communication channels. However, thesmaller form factor makes it more difficult for a user to handle.

When a fiber optic module embedded in a system fails it is desirable toreplace it, particularly when other communication channels are supportedby other operating fiber optic modules. To replace a failed fiber opticmodule it needs to be pluggable into a module receptacle. While pluggingin a new fiber optic module is usually easy, it is more difficult toremove the failed fiber optic module because of other componentssurrounding it. Additionally, a user should not attempt to pull on fiberoptic cables in order to try and remove a failed fiber optic module orelse the user might cause damage thereto.

A typical release method for a pluggable fiber optic module is to pushin on the fiber optic module itself and then pull out on the fiber opticmodule to release it from a cage assembly or module receptacle. It hasbeen determined that this method is not very reliable with userscomplaining of the difficulty in removing pluggable fiber optic modulesin this manner.

Users often complain that traditional methods offer little leverage ingetting a sufficient grip on the module when attempting to pull it outof a module receptacle. Another complaint is that traditional actuatorsused to remove fiber optic modules are inaccessible or invisible. Otherusers complain that once released by the traditional method, it isdifficult to withdraw the fiber optic module out of its cage or modulereceptacle.

Additionally, the pushing and then pulling of traditional methods placesextra strain on components of the fiber optic module itself, the cageassembly or module receptacle and any electrical connections which thefiber optic module makes with an electrical connector. Oftentimes morethan one cycle of pushing and pulling on the fiber optic module isrequired to release it from the cage or receptacle.

It is desirable to make it easier to remove pluggable fiber opticmodules.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a simplified top-exploded view illustrating an opticalelement.

FIG. 2 is a partially assembled view of an optical element, receiverprinted circuit board, and transmitter printed circuit board.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a printed circuit board cage subassemblyand optical element.

FIG. 4A is an exploded view from the rear of an embodiment of a hotpluggable fiber optic module.

FIG. 4B is a magnified view of a side of a male electrical connector toprovide hot pluggability.

FIG. 4C is a magnified view of another side of the male electricalconnector to provide hot pluggability.

FIG. 5 is exploded view from the front of an embodiment of a fiber opticmodule.

FIG. 6A is a top view of an embodiment of an assembled fiber opticmodule.

FIG. 6B is a bottom view of an embodiment of an assembled fiber opticmodule.

FIG. 6C is a right side view of an embodiment of an assembled fiberoptic module.

FIG. 6D is a left side view of an embodiment of an assembled fiber opticmodule.

FIG. 6E is a front view of an embodiment of an assembled fiber opticmodule.

FIG. 6F is a rear view of an embodiment of an assembled fiber opticmodule.

FIGS. 7A-7D are views of a disassembled fiber optic module ofembodiments of the invention.

FIGS. 7E-7F are perspective views of a disassembled fiber optic moduleof another embodiment of the invention illustrating an alternateembodiment of a withdrawal tab.

FIGS. 7G-7H are perspective views of a disassembled fiber optic moduleof another embodiment of the invention illustrating another alternateembodiment of a withdrawal tab.

FIGS. 8A-8G are various views of an embodiment of a withdrawal tab forfiber optic modules.

FIGS. 9A-9I are views of an embodiment of a kicker-actuator for fiberoptic modules.

FIGS. 10A-10G are views of a subassembly of the fiber optic modules ofFIGS. 7A-7D illustrating the pull-actuator of FIGS. 8A-8G and thekicker-actuator of FIGS. 9A-9I assembled to the nose receptacle.

FIGS. 11A-11E are views of an exemplary cage assembly or modulereceptacle for fiber optic modules.

FIG. 12 is a bottom view of a system of the push button releasable fiberoptic module engaged with the exemplary cage assembly or modulereceptacle for FIGS. 11A-11E.

FIGS. 13A-13B are cross-section views of the system of FIG. 12 with thepush button release in a latched or steady state.

FIGS. 14A-14B are cross-section views of the system of FIG. 12 with thepush button release depressed and de-latching the fiber optic modulefrom the cage assembly or receptacle module.

FIG. 15 is a flow chart diagram of a method of releasing a fiber-opticmodule.

FIG. 16 is a flow chart diagram of a method of inserting a fiber-opticmodule.

FIG. 17A is a perspective view of a fiber optic system with abelly-to-belly mounting configuration with the top fiber optic moduleremoved.

FIG. 17B is a side view of the fiber optic system with a belly-to-bellymounting configuration of FIG. 17A.

FIG. 17C is a side view of the fiber optic system with a belly-to-bellymounting configuration of FIG. 17A with the top fiber optic moduleinserted.

FIG. 17D is a cross-section view of the fiber optic system with abelly-to-belly mounting configuration of FIG. 17C with the top fiberoptic module inserted.

FIGS. 18A-18D illustrate various views of a subassembly of a pair offiber optic modules in a belly to belly mounting configuration.

FIGS. 19A-19F illustrate various views of an integrated push buttonactuator for another embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 20A-20D illustrate various magnified views of the integrated pushbutton actuator of FIGS. 19A-19F.

FIGS. 21A-21D illustrate various views of alternate push buttonembodiments for the actuators.

FIGS. 22A-22H illustrate various views of a subassembly of a nosereceptacle and pull-actuator for another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 23 illustrates a pull-actuator, pivot-arm actuator, and cageassembly latch for one embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 24A-24I illustrate various views of a pull-actuator for oneembodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 25A-25I illustrate various views of a pivot-arm actuator for oneembodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 26A-26C illustrate various cross-sectional views of an integratednose assembly and latching mechanism of FIGS. 24A-24I and 25A-25I in theengaged position for one embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 27A-27C illustrate various cross-sectional views of an integratednose assembly and latching mechanism of FIGS. 24A-24I and 25A-25I in thedisengaged position for one embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 28A-28I illustrate various views of a pull-actuator for anotherembodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 29A-29I illustrate various views of a pivot-arm actuator includinga spring for another embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 30A-30C illustrate various cross-sectional views of an integratednose assembly and latching mechanism of FIGS. 28A-I and 29A-I in theengaged position for one embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 31A-31C illustrate various cross-sectional views of an integratednose assembly and latching mechanism of FIGS. 28A-I and 29A-I in thedisengaged position for one embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 32A-32I illustrate various views of alternative embodiments ofpull mechanisms for pull-actuators.

FIGS. 33A-33D illustrate various views of a belly-to-belly mountingconfiguration for another embodiment of the invention employingpull-actuators.

FIGS. 34A-34I illustrate various views of a subassembly of a nosereceptacle including a bail latch delatching mechanism for anotherembodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 35A-35I illustrate various views of a bail latch including apivoting pin for one embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 36A-36I illustrate various views of an actuator for one embodimentof the invention.

FIGS. 37A-37E illustrate various cross-sectional views of an integratednose assembly and latching mechanism of FIGS. 34A-34I in the engagedposition for one embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 38A-38E illustrate various cross-sectional views of an integratednose assembly and latching mechanism of FIGS. 34A-34I in the disengagedposition for one embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 39A-39H illustrate various views of an alternate embodiments ofthe bail latch.

FIGS. 40A-40I illustrate various views of how the bail-latch delatchingmechanism would function in a belly-to-belly mounting configuration foranother embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description of the invention, numerousspecific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the invention. However, one skilled in the art wouldrecognize that the invention may be practiced without these specificdetails. In other instances well known methods, procedures, components,and circuits have not been described in detail so as not tounnecessarily obscure aspects of the invention.

In the following description, certain terminology is used to describevarious features of the invention. For example, a “fiber-optictransceiver” is a fiber optic module having optical signal transmit andreceive capability. The terms “disengage”, “release”, “unlatch”, and“de-latch” may be used interchangeably when referring to the de-couplingof a fiber optic module from a cage assembly.

The invention includes methods, apparatuses and systems for fiber opticmodules including pull-action releasable fiber optic modules in smallform pluggable (SFP) GBIC, LC type packages.

Referring now to FIG. 1, an exploded view of an optical element 103 ofan embodiment of the invention is illustrated. The optical element 103included a nose 151, a pair of fiber ferrule sleeves 131, anelectromagnetic interference (EMI) shield plate 153, an optical block120, a receiver 111 and a transmitter 110. The electromagneticinterference shield plate 153 provides shielding to keep electromagneticinterference from leaking into or out of the optical block 120 and themodule. The optical block 120 aligns a light transmitter 110 and a lightreceiver 111 with two lenses in the optical block 120. The lighttransmitters 110 or light receivers 111 are optoelectronic devices forcommunicating with optical fibers using light of various wavelengths orphotons. An optoelectronic device is a device which can convert ortransduce light or photons into an electrical signal or an electricalsignal into light or photons. In the case of transmitters, the lighttransmitters 110 are packaged emitters that can convert electricalsignals into light or photons. Examples of emitters are semiconductorlasers (i.e. a VCSEL) or an LED which may be packaged in TO (transistoroutline) cans. In the case of receivers, the light receivers 111 arepackaged photodetectors, that detect or receive light or photons andconvert it into an electrical signal. An example of a photo detector isa photo diode which may be packaged in a TO can. However other packages,housings or optoelectronic devices for receiving and transmitting lightor photons may be used for the light transmitters 110 or light receivers111.

The electromagnetic interference plate 153 has one or more projections156 which engage one or more external notches 157 of the optical block120 near its edges. The optical ports 159 of the electromagneticinterference plate 153 align with a pair of optical ports 129 and 130 ofthe nose 151. The electromagnetic interference plate 153 is electricallycoupled to an outer housing 400 (shown on FIG. 5) via the projections156 and shunts electro-magnetic fields to the outer housing 400. Thefiber ferules 131 can be inserted into the optical ports 129 and 130upon assembly. The nose 151 further has one or more posts 164 over whichone or more holes 158 in the electromagnetic interference plate 153 canslide in order to align the nose 151, the pair of fiber ferules 131, theelectromagnetic interference plate 153 and the optical block 120together.

The nose 151 has a pair of LC receptacles 161 for mechanically couplingand aligning a pair of fiber optic cables (not shown) into the fiberoptic module 100. Each LC receptacle 161 is a fiber optic receptacle forone serial fiber optic channel. The LC receptacles 161 in the nose 151are preferably located without spacing between each other. Neighboringchannels are separated far enough apart that a fiber optic module 100having multiple channels can comply with FDA and IEC Class-1 eye safetylimits. This eases handling of the fiber optic module 100 by avoidingthe use of eye protection.

Due to the size of LC receptacles, TO-can size packages are usable whichallows the output power level of each individual fiber optic channel tobe separately monitored. Monitoring a fiber optic channel involvessplitting the light beam so that a photodetector or photodiode receivesa portion of the light beam. The electrical output of the photodiode isthen measured to indicate the output power level of the fiber opticchannel. The relaxed spacing of the individual fiber optic receptaclesof the invention facilitate placing light beam splitters within the TOcan of the light transmitter 110. The light beam splitter splits thebeam such that a portion of the light beam lands on a photodiode withinthe TO can. The photodiode's output is measured to monitor the outputpower of the transmitter. Thus, with each channel being separatelymonitored for power output, each channel can be individually optimized.Those skilled in the art will also recognize that other fiber opticconnectors such as, but not limited to, SC, MT-RJ, VF45, and MUconnectors, may be used in lieu of the LC receptacles 161.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a partially assembled view of an opticalelement 103, a receiver printed circuit board 250, and a transmitterprinted circuit board 200 for an embodiment of the invention isillustrated. Receiver printed circuit board 250 includes one or morereceiver electrical components 227 (receiver integrated circuit(transimpedance amplifier and post amplifier), resistors, capacitors andother passive or active electrical components), a male electricalconnector 235, and a receiver ground plane 213 (not shown). Thetransmitter printed circuit board 200 includes one or more transmitterelectrical components 229 (transmitter integrated circuit (laserdriver), resistors, capacitors and other passive or active electricalcomponents) and a transmitter ground plane 215 (not shown). The receiverprinted circuit board 250 and the transmitter printed circuit board 200may be assembled by wave soldering.

At least one pin of the male electrical connector 235 couples to anexternal female electrical connector. The external female electricalconnectors may be SFP (Small Form Pluggable) SMT (Surface MountTechnology) connectors. One or more pins of the male electricalconnector 235 allow electrical signals, power, and ground to be coupledinto or out of the fiber optic module 100.

Referring now to FIG. 3, an exploded view of the optical element 103,the receiver printed circuit board 250, the transmitter printed circuitboard 200, a bottom frame 301, and a top frame 303 is illustrated. Oneor more transmitter pins 243 of the male electrical connector 235 whichcouple to the transmitter electrical components 229, the transmitterelectrical components 229, the light transmitter 110, the interconnectleads 225 and a lens (not shown) of the optical block form onetransmitting channel. The transmitter electrical components 229 controlthe light transmitter 110 and buffer the data signal received from asystem for transmission over an optical fiber. One or more receiver pins245 of the male electrical connector 235 which couple to the receiverelectrical components 227, the receiver electrical components 227, thelight receiver 111 and a lens (not shown) of the optical block form onereceiving channel. The receiver electrical components 227 control thelight receiver 111 and buffer the data signal received from an opticalfiber. Other combinations of components can form other combinations ofcommunications channels.

The optical element 103 includes the light receiver 111 with a pluralityof straddle mount signal leads 201. The Straddle mount signal leads 201are arranged in two horizontal rows to straddle a printed circuit board.The two rows of straddle mount signal leads 201 sandwich the receiverprinted circuit board 250 so that the straddle mount signal leads 201electrically couple the light receiver 111 to a plurality of receivercontacts 203 on both sides of the receiver printed circuit board 250. Toimprove the coupling between the straddle mount signal lead 201 and thereceiver contacts 203, solder may be applied to the straddle mountsignal leads 201 and the receiver contacts 203. The receiver contacts203 are preferably a metal such as copper, silver, gold or other metalor alloy. The receiver contacts 203 may be on one or both the top andbottom surfaces of the receiver printed circuit board 250.

Optical element 103 has a light transmitter 110 with a plurality offormed (i.e. bent) signal leads 205. Each formed signal lead 205 is bentand turned up to couple to a header signal via 207, in the printedcircuit board. The printed circuit board 250 has a cutout 209 thatallows space for a horizontal portion of the formed signal lead 205. Thecutout 209 may be at an angle cutting out a corner of receiver printedcircuit board 250. In the alternative, the cutout 209 may be a square,semicircle, quarter circle or other shape. The vertical portion of eachformed signal lead 205 is long enough to couple the light transmitter110 to the transmitter printed circuit board 200.

The ends of formed signal leads 205 couple to a plurality of vias 207,through-holes, contacts or other coupling devices on the transmitterprinted circuit board 200. To improve the coupling between a formedsignal lead 205 and a via 207, solder may be applied to the formedsignal lead 205 and the via 207. Since the printed circuit boardassemblies and optical elements are mechanically coupled after theprinted circuit boards have been wave soldered, the optical elements arenot subject to the heat generated by wave soldering. While a 90 degreeangle has been described, it is understood that other arrangements ofthe formed signal leads 205 may be employed to couple the lighttransmitter 110 to the transmitter printed circuit board 200.

When assembled into the fiber optic module, the receiver printed circuitboard 250 and the transmitter printed circuit board 200 are verticallystacked and substantially parallel to each other. The top frame 303 andthe bottom frame 301 hold the receiver printed circuit board 250 and thetransmitter printed circuit board 200 in fixed vertical and horizontalalignment.

The fiber optic module further includes one or more interconnect leads225 which electrically couple the transmitter electrical components 229on the transmitter printed circuit board 200 to transmitter pins 243 ofthe electrical connector by means of signal traces in the receiverprinted circuit board 250.

The receiver printed circuit board 250 includes a receiver ground plane213 (shown in FIG. 2), and the transmitter printed circuit board 200includes a transmitter ground plane 215 (shown in FIG. 2). Receiverground plane 213 shunts electro-magnetic fields radiating into it toground via a pin in the male electrical connector 235. The transmitterground plane 215 shunts electro-magnetic fields radiating into groundthrough one or more of the interconnect leads 225, a transmitter trace247 on the receiver printed circuit board 250, and a pin 243 in the maleelectrical connector 235.

The receiver printed circuit board 250 includes a pair of slots 231(referred to as receiver slots 231) one in the left side edge andanother in the right side edge of the printed circuit board as shown andillustrated in FIG. 2. The transmitter printed circuit board 200includes a pair of slots 233 (referred to as transmitter slots 233) onein the left side edge and another in the right side edge of the printedcircuit board as shown and illustrated in FIG. 2. The receiver slots 231and the transmitter slots 233 facilitate alignment between the receiverprinted circuit board 250 and the transmitter printed circuit board 200.

The bottom frame 301 includes a pair of sides 341A and 341B, a base 343,a pair of rails 305A and 305B, a plurality of lower support tabs 335 anda plurality of upper support tabs 337 extending from a pair of cornersof each of the sides 341A and 341B as illustrated in FIG. 3. The base343 of the bottom frame 301 is L shaped such that the rail 305B extendsalong the side and base of the bottom frame 301 while the rail 305Bextends out of a center line (near the middle of the bottom frame) witha surface of the base there-between. The L shape leaves a cutout areafrom the base of the bottom frame which will be filled in by a bottomcover as described below. The rail 305A extending from the center lineor middle of the bottom frame 301, includes a tip 355A that extendsoutward and is inserted into an opening 155 in the optical block 120.

The top frame 303 includes a top 347, a pair of top frame sides 349A and349B, a pair of alignment rails 307, and a flange 321 as shown andillustrated in FIG. 3.

When assembled, the receiver printed circuit board 250 is inserted intoa pair of slots 309 between the upper support tabs and the lower supporttabs and rests on the lower support tabs 335 of the bottom frame 301. Apair of receiver slots 231 in edges of the receiver printed circuitboard 250 are located near corners of the sides 341A and 341B of thereceiver printed circuit board. The four lower support tabs 335 and thefour upper support tabs 337 restrict vertical movement in the receiverprinted circuit board 250 when its engaged thereto. One or more of theelements of the bottom frame 301 may be formed of a conductive materialsuch as a metal or formed to include a conductive plating or surface.The conductive material of the bottom frame 301 shunts electromagneticfields to ground via an electrical coupling to chassis ground. In thismanner the bottom frame 301 can provide electromagnetic interferenceshielding for the fiber optic module.

When assembled, the transmitter printed circuit board 200 rests on thefour upper support tabs 337 of the bottom frame 301 such that the pairof transmitter slots 233 in the transmitter printed circuit board 200are aligned directly above the pair of receiver slots 231 in thereceiver printed circuit board 250 at a position adjacent to and abovethe upper support tabs 337. The alignment of the slots 233 with theslots 231 in each of the respective printed circuit boards assures thatthe transmitter interconnect vias 239 align with the receiverinterconnect vias 241 such that the one or more interconnect leads 225can be coupled there-between. The one or more interconnect leads 225couple the respective transmitter traces 247 in the transmitter printedcircuit board 200 and the receiver printed circuit board 250 together.The interconnect leads 225 are soldered to the receiver printed circuitboard 250 at the receiver interconnect vias 241 on one end and to thetransmitter printed circuit board 200 at the transmitter interconnectvias 239 at an opposite end. Though the interconnect leads 225 have beendescribed as providing electrical coupling between the receiver printedcircuit board 250 and the transmitter printed circuit board 200, it isunderstood that other interconnect devices may be employed includingribbon cable, wires, male and female electrical connectors and the like.

The pair of top frame sides 349A and 349B of the top frame 303 engagewith the bottom frame sides 341A and 341B of the bottom frame 301respectively when they are assembled together. When assembled, externalfaces of the top frame sides 349 abut inside faces of bottom frame sides341. Each of the top frame sides have a pair of locking tabs 313 whichengage with a pair of lock tab apertures 315 in each of the bottom framesides 341 to hold them together. The locking tabs 313 and the lockingtab apertures 315 prevent the bottom frame 301 and the top frame 303from moving vertically relative to each other. Each vertical edge of thetop frame sides 349A and 349B mates with the upper tabs 337 and thelower tabs 335 to keep the top frame 303 from moving laterally relativeto the bottom frame 301. The top frame 303 has the pair of alignmentrails 307 on edges of the top frame sides 349A and 349B. The alignmentrails 307 mate with the pair of transmitter slots 233 in the transmitterprinted circuit board 200 and the pair of the receiver slots 231 in thereceiver printed circuit board 250 to keep them in alignment so that theinterconnect leads 225 are not sheared by movement in either and theelectrical coupling is maintained. Top frame 303 has a tab 363, rib,post or other member on the underside of top 347. When top frame 303 isassembled to the bottom frame 301 and transmitter board 200, the tab 363prevents upward movement of transmitter printed circuit board 200.Additionally, the pair of alignment rails 307 abut a pair of lowersupport tabs 335 and a pair of upper support tabs 337 to maintainalignment and avoid movement as stress is placed on the receiver printedcircuit board 250 when the fiber optic module is pulled away from aconnector. The top frame 303 includes the flange 321 which extends fromthe top 347 of the top frame 303 as shown and illustrated in FIG. 3. Theflange 321 includes an opening 317 which slides over a top post 319 ofthe optical block 120 of the optical element 103. When the opening 317of the flange 321 is mated with the top post 319, the top frame 303 istightly coupled to the optical element 103 to avoid separation when thefiber optic module is inserted or removed from a connector. With theopening 317 engaged to the top post 319 so that the top frame is tightlycoupled, the alignment rails 307 of the top frame 303 in conjunctionwith the receiver slots 231 and the transmitter slots 233, keep thereceiver printed circuit board 250 and the transmitter printed circuitboard 200 tightly coupled to the optical element 103 as well to avoidseparation. The flange 321 includes a flange lip 325 that abuts a recesswall 327 of the optical block 120 to prevent lateral movement of the topframe 303 relative to the optical elements 103.

The top frame 303 includes a pair of top frame sides 349A and 349B andthe top 347. These and other elements of the top frame may be formed ofa conductive material such as a metal or formed to include a conductiveplating or surface. The conductive material of the top frame 303 shuntselectro-magnetic fields to ground via an electrical coupling to chassisground. In this manner, the top frame 303 provides electromagneticinterference shielding to the fiber optic module.

The assembled subassembly including the receiver printed circuit board250, the transmitter printed circuit board 200, the interconnect leads225, the bottom frame 301 and the top frame 303 can hereinafter bereferred to as a printed circuit board assembly 411.

Referring now to FIG. 4A, an exploded view of an outer housing 400 andthe printed circuit board assembly 411 is illustrated. The outer housing400 includes a top cover 401, a bottom cover 402 and the L shaped bottomframe 301. The top cover 401, the bottom cover 402 and the bottom frame301 couple together and around the optical block 120 to encase thereceiver and transmitter printed circuit boards but for one end wherethe extension in the receiver printed circuit board forms the maleconnector 235. The top cover 401 includes a top portion and a pair ofsides that fit over the printed circuit board assembly 411 and theoptical element 103. The top cover 401 includes a plurality of locatingtab openings 405 in each of its sides to engage with locating tabs 407in sides of the optical block 120, in the nose of optical element 103,and in the bottom frame 301. When the locating tab openings 405 areengaged with the locating tabs 407, movement of the top cover 401relative to the optical element 103 is prohibited. The top cover 401includes a hood 409 which encloses an end of the transmitter printedcircuit board 200 but leaves the connector 235 of the receiver printedcircuit board 250 exposed to connect to a connector. The male electricalconnector 235 extends from the top cover 401 to mechanically andelectrically couple to an external female electrical connector.

The bottom cover 402 is of sufficient size to fill into the cutaway areain the L shaped bottom frame 301. The bottom cover 402 couples to thebottom frame 301 on one side and the top cover 401 on an opposite side.

Referring now to FIGS. 4B and 4C, pins of the male electrical connector235 are illustrated in detail to provide hot pluggability. The maleelectrical connector 235 includes one or more ground or negative powerpins 460, one or more positive power pins 461 and one or more signalpins 462 on top and/or bottom surfaces of the receiver printed circuitboard 250. The pins 460, 461, and 462 are staggered from each other withreference to an edge 465 of the receiver printed circuit board 250 tofacilitate the hot pluggability. The ground pins 460 of the maleelectrical connector 235 are closer to the edge 465 than any other pinin the male electrical connector 235 in order for ground to beestablished first when the fiber optic module is inserted and for groundto be removed last when its removed. The positive power pins 461 arenext closest to the edge 465 for power to be established secondly whenthe fiber optic module is inserted and for power to be removed next tolast when its removed. The signal pins 462 are farther from the edgethat the power pins 461 and ground pins 462 so that they are establishedafter power and ground has been when inserted and they are disconnectfirst when the fiber optic module is removed.

During the mating of the male electrical connector 235 with an externalfemale electrical connector, the ground pins electrically couple firstto ground receptacles of the external female electrical connector inorder to ground the fiber optic module 100. During the demating of themale electrical connector 235 and external female electrical connector,the ground pin electrically decouples from the ground last to maintainthe grounding of the fiber optic module 100 until after power is removedfrom the fiber optic module 100. The ground pins 460 being closer to theedge 465 than the power pins 461 and the signal pins 462, preventsdamage and disruption to the fiber optic module and the system duringthe physical insertion and removal of the fiber optic module into andout of the system. The capability to physically remove and insert thefiber optic module during operation without damage or disruption isreferred to as hot pluggability.

The outer housing 400, including the top cover 401 and the bottom cover402 and the bottom frame 301, may be formed of a conductive materialsuch as a metal or include a conductive plating or surface. With theouter housing 400 formed out of a conductive material, the outer housing400 can shunt electro-magnetic fields radiating into the outer housing400 to ground via an electrical coupling to chassis ground. In thismanner the outer housing 400 also can provide electromagneticinterference shielding to the fiber optic module.

Referring now to FIG. 5, an exploded view of the fiber optic module 100from the front is illustrated. The bottom cover 402 of the outer housing400 includes a pair of tabs 509 on one side and a pair of projections505 on an opposite side. The projections 505 of the one side engage apair of holes 507 in a side of the rail 305A of the bottom frame 301.The projections 505 in the opposite side of the bottom cover 402 engagethe housing holes 511 in a side of the top cover 401. The inside surfaceof the side of the top cover 401 couples to the outer surface of theside of the bottom cover 402 when the tabs 509 are mated with thehousing holes 511.

The bottom cover 402 can be readily disassembled and reassembled withthe top cover 401 and the bottom frame 301 of the fiber optic module100. By removing the bottom cover 402, a portion of the receiver printedcircuit board is exposed to allow access to adjust adjustable electricalcomponents (not shown) on the receiver printed circuit board 250. Theadjustable electrical components electrically couple to the electricalcomponents 227 on the receiver printed circuit board 250. The adjustableelectrical components electrically couple to the electrical components229 by way of a conductive path through one or more transmitter traces361 on the receiver printed circuit board 250, the interconnect vias225, and the transmitter traces 247 on the transmitter printed circuitboard 200. The adjustable electrical components may include DIPswitches, potentiometers, variable capacitors and other devices used totune or adjust the performance of the fiber optic module 100.

The bottom cover 402 can also be formed of a conductive material such asa metal or include a conductive plating or surface which is coupled tochassis ground (via holes 507, housing holes 511 and tabs 505 andprojections 509) in order to provide electromagnetic interferenceshielding for the fiber optic module 100.

FIG. 6A illustrates a top view of a fully assembled fiber optic module100. FIG. 6B illustrates a bottom view of a fully assembled fiber opticmodule 100. FIG. 6C illustrates a right side view of a fully assembledfiber optic module 100. FIG. 6D illustrates a left side view of a fullyassembled fiber optic module 100. FIG. 6C illustrates a front view of afully assembled fiber optic module. FIG. 6D illustrates a rear view of afully assembled fiber optic module 100. To assemble the fiber opticmodule 100 of the invention, the receiver printed circuit board 250 isfirst slid into the slots 309 of the bottom frame 301 between the uppersupport tabs 337 and the lower support tabs 335 until the receiver slots231 are adjacent to, and just inside an end of the bottom frame 301.When receiver printed circuit board 250 is properly positioned in thebottom frame 301, receiver electrical components 227 are face down, theground plane is face up and the male electrical connector 235 extendsbeyond the end of the bottom frame 301 so that its external thereto.Next, the one or more interconnect leads 225 are then press fit into thereceiver interconnect vias 241. Solder is applied to the interconnectleads 225 at the receiver interconnect vias 241.

Then the transmitter interconnect vias 239 of the transmitter printedcircuit board 200 are aligned with the one or more interconnect leadsand press fit together so that the transmitter printed circuit boardrests on top of the upper support tabs 337. With proper orientation, theground plane is facing down toward the receiver printed circuit boardwhile the transmitter electrical components 229 are on the face up sideon the surface of the transmitter printed circuit board 200 and oppositethe receiver printed circuit board 250. After press fitting themtogether, solder is applied to the interconnect leads 225 at thetransmitter interconnect vias 239.

The top frame 303 is next in the assembly process. The alignment rails307 of the top frame 303 are aligned with the transmitter slots 233 andthe receiver slots 231. The alignment rails 107 are inserted into thetransmitter slots 233 so that external surfaces of the sides 349A and349B slide into the internal surfaces of the sides 341A and 341Brespectively. The top frame 303 is coupled to the bottom frame such thatthe alignment rails 107 slide through the transmitter slots 233 and thereceiver slots 231 until the locking tabs 313 engage with the lock tabapertures 315 to lock the top frame 303 in place relative to the bottomframe 301.

The optical elements 103 are prepared in parallel with forming theprinted circuit board assembly 411. A die (not shown) is used to bendthe signal leads of the light transmitter 110 through 90 degrees to formthe formed signal leads 205 of the invention. The optical elements arethen assembled and aligned together as a subassembly 103.

The printed circuit board subassembly 411 is then coupled together tothe optical elements subassembly 103. The printed circuit boardsubassembly 411 is positioned with the optical elements so that thereceiver contacts 203 of the receiver printed circuit board 250 alignwith the space between the horizontal rows of straddle mount signalleads 201. The flange 321 of the top frame 303 is flexed upward so thatthe opening 317 can mate with the post 319. The printed circuit boardsubassembly 411 and optical element 103 are brought together so that thereceiver contacts 203 can electrically be couple to the straddle mountsignal leads 201 and the tip 355A slides into the opening 155. Theflange 321 is then released so that the opening 317 slides over the toppost 319 to secure the printed circuit board subassembly 411 to theoptical element subassembly 103.

Next the outer housing 400 is completed around the printed circuit boardsubassembly 411. The top cover 311 is aligned with the printed circuitboard subassembly 411 so that the locating tab openings 405 can matewith the locating tabs 407. The top cover 401 is slid over the opticalelement subassembly 103 and the printed circuit board subassembly 411 sothat the locating tabs 407 snap into the locating tab openings 405.

The bottom cover 402 is then couple to the bottom frame 301 and the topcover 401. The bottom cover is tilted so that the projections 505 engagethe holes 507 in the side of the rail of the bottom frame 301. Then, thetop cover 402 is pressed upward so that the tabs 509 engage with thehousing holes 511 so that the bottom cover 402 is secured in place tocomplete the assembly of the fiber optic module 100.

For transmitting signals, the fiber optic module 100 electricallyfunctions such that external electrical transmitter signals arriving attransmitter pins 243 in the male electrical connector 235 are coupledinto the transmitter traces 247 routed on the receiver printed circuitboard 250. The transmitter traces 247 couple the external electricaltransmitter signal from the transmitter pins 243 to the receiverinterconnect vias 241. The receiver interconnect vias 241 couple thetransmitter signals to the one or more interconnect leads 225. The oneor more interconnect leads 225 couple the electrical signals from thereceiver interconnect vias 241 at one end into the transmitterinterconnect vias 239 at an opposite end. The transmitter traces 247 onthe transmitter printed circuit board 200 couple the electrical signalsfrom the transmitter interconnect vias 239 into the transmitterelectrical components 229 and/or the transmitter 110. The transmitterelectrical components 229 process the electrical signals into electricaltransmission pulses for coupling to the light transmitter 110. The lighttransmitter 110 transduces the electrical transmission pulses into lightpulses for transmission over the fiber optic cables.

For receiving signals, the fiber optic module 100 electrically functionssuch that external light pulses arriving at the LC receptacles 161 aretransduced into electrical pulses by the light receiver 111 for couplinginto the receiver electrical components 227. The receiver electricalcomponents 227 process the electrical pulses into electrical receiversignals which are coupled to the receiver traces 249 of the receiverprinted circuit board 250. The receiver traces 249 couple the receiversignals to the receiver pins 245 in the male electrical connector 235 bywhich the electrical receiver signals are coupled to external devices.In one embodiment of the invention, one electrical component on one ofthe printed circuit boards controls both the light transmitter 110 andthe light receiver 111.

In operation, the fiber optic module 100 may be housed in a rack or acabinet designed to house an LC, GBIC package. When the fiber opticmodule 100 is inserted into the rack the male electrical connector 235couples to a female electrical connector of the rack or cabinet. As theelectrical connectors couple, one or more ground pins in the maleelectrical connector 235 electrically couples to one or morecorresponding ground receptacles in the female electrical connectorbefore any other pin electrically couples. One or more power pins in themale electrical connector 235 electrically couple to one or morecorresponding power receptacles in the female electrical connectorbefore any signal pins electrically couple. After the ground and powerpins have coupled, one or more signal pins may then electrically coupleto one or more corresponding signal receptacles. Either before or afterthe fiber optic module is inserted into the rack, fiber optical cables(not shown) are connected to the LC receptacles 161.

When it is desired to replace the fiber optic module 100 for somereason, the invention allows hot pluggable replacement. First the fiberconnector is removed from the fiber optic module 100. Then the module isdisconnected from any electrical connector into which it is coupled. Asit is disconnected, the signal pins decouple first, the power pinssecond and the ground pins last. After which a new fiber optic module100 can be inserted with the connecting sequence occurring as discussedabove.

After the fiber optic module is disconnected, the optical elementsubassembly 103 or the printed circuit board subassembly 411 may beeasily replaced. To replace the optical element 103, the flange 321 isflexed up to demate the opening 317 and the top post 319. The opticalsubassembly 103 is then pulled away from the printed circuit boardassembly 411. As the optical subassembly is pulled away from the printedcircuit board assembly 411, the straddle mount signal leads 201 decouplefrom the receiver contacts 203. The formed signal leads 205 alsodecouple from the header signal vias 207. A replacement opticalsubassembly is then coupled to the printed circuit board assembly 411 asdiscussed above. After which the fiber optic module 100 (the replacementoptical element 103 coupled to the printed circuit board assembly 411)can be inserted with the connecting sequence occurring as discussedabove.

To replace the printed circuit board assembly 411, the fiber opticmodule is removed as discussed above, except that the fiber optic cablesneed not be removed from the LC receptacles 161. The flange 321 isflexed up to demate the opening 317 and the top post 319. The opticalelement 103 is then pulled away from the printed circuit board assembly.As the printed circuit board assembly 411 is pulled away from theoptical element 103, the straddle mount signal leads 201 decouple fromthe receiver contacts 203. The formed signal leads 205 also decouplefrom the header signal vias 207. A replacement printed circuit boardassembly 411 is then coupled to the optical element 103 as discussedabove. After which the fiber optic module 100 (the optical element 103coupled to the replacement printed circuit board assembly 411) can beinserted with the connecting sequence occurring as discussed above.

The previous detailed description describes the fiber optic module 100as including one receiver and one transmitter. However, one of ordinaryskill can see that the fiber optic module 100 may include two or morecombinations of vertically stacked receivers, or transmitters, orreceivers and transmitters. One embodiment of the invention includesfour vertically stacked transmitters. Another embodiment includes fourvertically stacked receivers. Yet another embodiment includes acombination of four vertically stacked transmitters and receivers.

Furthermore, as one of ordinary skill can see, the positions of thereceiver printed circuit board 250 and the transmitter printed circuitboard 200 may be reversed. In this embodiment of the invention, thetransmitter printed circuit board 200 has the cutout 209 creating adistance 211 for the formed signal leads 205 of the light receiver 111.The formed signal leads 205 of the light receiver 111 couple to theheader signal vias 207 on receiver printed circuit board 250. Thestraddle mount signal leads 201 of the light transmitter 110 couple tocontacts on the transmitter printed circuit board 200. In thisembodiment, the electrical components 227 and 229 are on oppositesurfaces of the printed circuit boards 250 and 200 so that the groundplanes 213 and 215 provide electromagnetic shielding to the electricalcomponents 227 and 229.

In another embodiment of the invention, the transmitter printed circuitboard 200 includes the male electrical connector 235. Receiver traces249 of the transmitter printed circuit board 200 couple receiver pins245 of the male electrical connector 235 to the interconnect vias 225.The interconnect vias 225 couple the receiver traces 249 of thetransmitter printed circuit board 200 to receiver traces 249 of receiverprinted circuit board 250 for coupling to receiver electrical components227. The transmitter printed circuit board 200 also includes a portionthat protrudes from the outer housing 400 and that includes the maleelectrical connector 235, thereby allowing the male electrical connector235 to couple to an external female electrical connector.

One aspect of the invention provides a push-button release mechanism andeasy withdrawal mechanism for removable or pluggable fiber optic moduleswhich are coupled into a module receptacle or cage assembly.Additionally, a piggy-back or belly-to-belly fiber optic moduleconfiguration is provided. The quick release is a mechanical device forde-latching or unplugging a fiber optic module from a module receptacleor cage assembly. The invention is particularly applicable tode-latching or unplugging an SFP fiber optic module from an SFP cageassembly or module receptacle. The invention provides a set ofmechanical devices designed to enhance the de-latching and withdrawingprocess of removable or pluggable fiber optic modules from cages orreceptacles. The mechanical devices include three main componentsconsisting of (1) a kicker-actuator, (2) a withdrawal tab, and (3) anose grip.

To de-couple a pluggable fiber optic module from a cage or modulereceptacle, the pluggable fiber optic module is de-latched or unlatchedand unplugged from any sockets or connectors of the cage or modulereceptacle.

Referring now to FIG. 7A, a disassembled pluggable fiber optic module700 is illustrated. Fiber optic module 700 is a pluggable or removabletype of fiber optic module in that it can slide in and out into a cageor receptacle having a electrical connector and coupled there to ordecoupled therefrom. The pluggable fiber optic module 700 is push buttonreleasable and includes an electro-optical sub-assembly 701 and amechanical sub-assembly 701 and a mechanical sub-assembly 702. Themechanical sub-assembly 702 couples to the optical block 120 of theelectro optical sub-assembly 701.

In one embodiment, the fiber optic module 700 is an SFP module and thecage assembly or module receptacle into which it plugs is an SFP cageassembly or SFP module receptacle. Otherwise, the fiber optic moduleincorporating the invention can be any type of pluggable fiber opticmodule.

Portions of the electro-optical sub-assembly 701 of the fiber opticmodule 700 are previously described herein with reference to FIGS. 1-6F.

The mechanical sub-assembly 702 includes a nose receptacle 704, akicker-actuator 705 (also referred to as push button), an actuator 706,a withdraw tab 708 with an optional pull grip 709. The kicker-actuator705 serves as an extension arm to the actuator 706. In one embodiment,the actuator 706 is an SFP actuator.

The nose receptacle receives one or more fiber optic connectors fromwhich an optical fiber may be attached. The nose receptacle 704 alignsends of the fiber optic cables with optical openings therein. In oneembodiment, the nose receptacle 704 is an SFP receptacle to receive aduplex SFP fiber optic connector.

Referring now to FIG. 7B, a view from the bottom of the disassembledfiber optic module 700 is illustrated. The bottom side of the nosereceptacle 704 includes a boss 1002, an opening 745 having a pair oftangs 741 on opposite sides thereof and a rib or septum 747. The catchor boss 1002 interfaces to a latch of the cage or receptacle. Theopening 745 in the nose receptacle 704 is for slideably engaging withthe actuator 706 for releasing the boss 1002 from a latch and freeingthe fiber optic module from a cage or receptacle. The actuator whenassembled slides over the rib or septum 747. The rib or septum 747 canprovide slideable support to the actuator 706 to allow it to push out onthe latch while the tangs can provide slideable guidance in movement ofthe kicker-actuator 705 and the actuator 706.

FIGS. 7C and 7D provide additional top and bottom views of thedisassembled fiber optic module 700 illustrated from a different angle.Viewable in FIG. 7D, the actuator 706 includes one or more ramps orwedges (a pair of which are illustrated) 1308, slot or grooves 721 oneach side having an opening at one end and a closure at an opposite end.The slot or grooves 721 slideably engage the tangs 741 in the nosereceptacle 704.

Referring now to FIGS. 7C and 7D, the kicker-actuator 705 has a hook 902to hook onto the actuator 706 by mechanical means. The actuator 706includes an opening 707 into which the hook 902 of the kicker actuator705 may couple in order to couple them together.

The nose receptacle 704 includes a nose grip 714 at its sides, alignmentpins 715 and optical openings 716 at a front side and one or more fiberplug openings 717 at a back side. In one embodiment, the nose grip 714has a left side 714L and a right side 714R including vertical ribs nearthe front around the openings of the fiber optic receptacles. The nosegrip serves as the additional gripping area during the withdrawalprocess of the fiber optic module. The nose grip 714 includes one ormore vertical ribs on the nose receptacle. The one or more vertical ribsincrease pressure between gripping fingers and hence prevent slippageduring handling. The nose grip 714 is an integrated part of the nosereceptacle 704 and can be formed of similar materials.

FIGS. 7E-7F illustrate an alternate fiber optic module 700′ having analternate embodiment of a withdrawal tab 708′. The fiber optic moduleincludes the alternate mechanical subassembly 702′ with the alternatewithdrawal tab 708′. The withdrawal tab 708 described with reference toFIGS. 7A-7D was coupled to the nose receptacle and extended across thetop surface of the fiber optic module 700. A user would pull on thewithdrawal tab 708, extending across the top surface or plane of thefiber optic module, to withdraw the fiber optic module. In theembodiment shown in FIGS. 7E-7F, the withdrawal tab 708′ couples betweenthe optical block and the nose receptacle and extends from the bottomsurface of the fiber optic module 700′. A user pulls on the withdrawaltab 708′, extending across the bottom surface or plane of the fiberoptic module, to pull the fiber optic module out from a cage orreceptacle. The withdrawal tab 708′ includes a pull area 709′ that mayoptionally include a pull grip, a pair of arms 724 joined around anopening 725 and an EMI shield or plate 756. The opening 725 provides forthe kicker-actuator 705 and the actuator 706 to extend through it andslide back and forth in the nose receptacle 704 when assembled together.The EMI shield or plate 756 includes optical openings and alignmentopenings similar to the EMI shield 806 discussed further below andincludes one or more grounding tabs 788. Alternatively, the withdrawaltab 708′ may be non-conductive and not include the grounding tabs 788.

FIGS. 7G-7H illustrate an alternate fiber optic module 700″ having analternate embodiment of a withdrawal tab 708″. The fiber optic moduleincludes the alternate mechanical subassembly 702″ with the alternatewithdrawal tab 708″. The withdrawal tab 708 described with reference toFIGS. 7A-7D coupled to the nose receptacle at the top of the fiber opticmodule 700 and a user pulled from the top. The withdrawal tab 708″couples between the optical block and the nose receptacle and extendsfrom one or both sides of the fiber optic module 700″. A user pulls onthe withdrawal tab 708″ from one or both sides of the fiber optic moduleto pull it out from a cage or receptacle. The withdrawal tab 708″includes one or two pull areas 709″ that may optionally include a pullgrip, a left pull arm 734L, a right pull arm 734R or both, and an EMIshield or plate 766. The EMI shield or plate 766 includes opticalopenings and alignment openings similar to the EMI shield 806 discussedfurther below and includes one or more grounding tabs 788.Alternatively, the withdrawal tab 708″ may be non-conductive and notinclude the grounding tabs 788.

Referring now to FIGS. 8A-8G, views of a withdrawal tab 708 with theoptional pull grip 709 are illustrated. The withdrawal tab 708 mayinclude an arm 804, an EMI shield 806, and grounding tabs 808.Alternatively, the EMI shield 806 can be replaced by a similar shapednon-conductive plate without grounding tabs 808. The withdrawal tab 708may also be referred to as a pull actuator. The withdrawal tab 708 has apaddle area 802 coupled to the arm 804 which couples to the optionalpull grip 709.

In one embodiment, the withdrawal tab 708 is a flexible protrudinghandle that serves as the pull-out tab for users during the withdrawalof the fiber optic module. The withdraw tab 708 extends out from thefiber optic module to provide an easy reach and grip to a user. Thewithdrawal tab 708 may further include the optional pull grip 709 toprevent slippage during handling. The optional pull grip 709 may beformed of a rubber or plastic material.

The arm 804 can be flexed or folded up with minimal effort.Additionally, the arm 804 avoids the withdrawal tab from obstructingoptical connectors during the insertion of the fiber optic module. Thearm 804 can be formed out of sheet metal, rubber sheet or plastic sheetmaterials. The optional pull grip 709 can be injection molded by using arubber or plastic resin.

The withdrawal tab 708 can itself provide an EMI shield 806, a verticalcomponent, that rests between a nose receptacle 704 and an optical blockor port 120 (as shown in FIGS. 10A-10E). As the name implies, the EMIshield 806 has a shielding ability to cut off EMI emitting from thefront of the nose receptacle of the fiber optic module. The EMI shield806 includes one to four grounding tabs 808 that provide additionalguarding of EMI emission around the EMI shield. The grounding tabs 808also provide grounding links or contacts between the EMI Shield 806 andthe cage assembly or module receptacle. In typical cases, the cageassembly or module receptacle is grounded.

Referring now to FIG. 8C, the EMI shield 806 includes alignment pinopenings 812 to allow alignment pins 715 of the nose receptacle 704 topoke through. The EMI shield 806 further includes a first opticalopening 814 for a first opto-electronic device and a second opticalopening 816 for a second opto-electronic device. One of the opticalopenings may be larger than the other to allow for an entrance angle oflight or photons for a receiving opto-electronic device.

Referring now to FIGS. 9A-9I, the kicker-actuator 705 is illustrated indetail. The kicker-actuator 705 is also referred to as a push button.The kicker-actuator 705 includes a snap on hook 902, an arm or push rod904, and an offset push tab or button 906. The offset push tab or button906 can include an orientation indicator 908. In one embodiment, theoffset push tab or button 906 is offset of the center of the push rod904 to provide clearance for belly-to-belly mounting configurationsdescribed further below. The hook 902 is at one end of the arm while theoff set push tab 906 is at the opposite end of the arm 904. The push rod904 can include a depression so that it clears a corner of the nosereceptacle during assembly. The subassembly of the actuator 706 andkicker-actuator 705 are inserted into the nose receptacle 704 on anangle and snapped into place to slideably engage the nose receptacle704. The kicker-actuator 705 can be formed out of epoxy, thermoplastic,rubber or metal.

The off-set push tab 906 is characterized by its L-shape cross-section.The snap-on-hook 902 is a locking mechanism for securing thekicker-actuator 705 on the actuator 706. The orientation indicator 908is arrow-shaped on the front face of the off-set-push tab 906 toindicate which fiber optic module it releases.

Referring now to FIGS. 10A-10G, an assembled mechanical sub-assembly 702is assembled together with the optical block 120. The optical block 120and the nose receptacle 704 coupled together sandwiching an EMI shieldtab 806 or a plate of the withdrawal tab 708 there between. The groundtabs (808L and 808R) wrap around and onto the optical block 120. Thenon-conductive plate of the withdrawal tab needs no ground tabs. Thekicker-actuator 705 is coupled to the actuator 706 which is in turncoupled to the nose receptacle 704. In order to couple the kickeractuator 705 and the actuator 706 together, the snap on hook 902 of thekicker-actuator 705 couples into the opening 707 of the actuator 706.This is then snapped into the bottom side of the nose receptacle 704.

The kicker-actuator 705 extends out from the front edge of the nosereceptacle and thus is visible to end-users and as well as accessible sothat it can be pushed inward. The kicker-actuator 705 and the actuator706 provide a de-latching mechanism for the fiber optic module 700. Aforce exerted inward on the kicker-actuator 705 is utilized to de-latchthe fiber optic module 700.

The withdraw tab 708 and the nose grip (714L and 714R) provide awithdrawal mechanism for the fiber optic module 700.

Referring now to FIGS. 11A-11E, views of an exemplary cage assembly ormodule receptacle 1100 for fiber optic modules is illustrated. In FIG.11B, the latch 1102 is illustrated in a bottom view of the modulereceptacle 1100. The latch 1102 includes a catch 1105 that mates withthe hook or boss 1002. As illustrated in the cross sectional view ofFIG. 11C and the exploded cross-sectional view of FIG. 11D, the latch1102 is flexed downward in order to release the fiber optic module. Theactuator 706 flexes the latch 1102 downward when a force is exerted onthe kicker-actuator or push button 705. A ramp of the kicker-actuator705 meets a lip 1108 of the latch 1102 which is bent on an angle andthen flexes the latch 1102 outward so that the catch 1105 is releasedfrom the hook or boss 1002. This release mechanism and method isdescribed further below.

Referring now to FIG. 12, fiber optic module 700 is inserted into thecage or receptacle 1100. FIG. 12 illustrates a bottom view showing thelatch 1102 and the boss 1002 of the nose receptacle 704. The boss 1002engages into the catch or opening 1105 of the latch 1102.

Referring now to FIGS. 13A and 13B, cross sections of the fiber opticmodule 700 inserted into the cage or receptacle 1100 are illustrated.The boss 1002 extends through the opening 1105 to be engaged with thelatch 1102. In FIGS. 13A and 13B, the kicker-actuator 705 is in anun-pushed or steady state. The spring tension in the latch 1102 tends tomove the kicker-actuator 705 into this state. The actuator 706 includesone or more ramps 1308 that engage the lip 1108 of the latch 1102 of thecage or receptacle 1100. The ramps 1308 slideably engage the lip 1108and pushes out on the latch 1102 therefrom. In the case of the boss1002, a pair of ramps 1308 are used so that they can slide over it andcontinue pressing out on the latch.

Referring now to FIGS. 14A and 14B, cross section similar to that ofFIGS. 13A and 13B are illustrated but for the kicker-actuator 705 beingdepressed to disengage the latch 1102 from the boss 1002. In this casethe opening 1105 of the latch 1102 is not engaged with the boss 1002 ofthe nose receptacle.

Referring now to FIG. 14B, the kicker-actuator 705 is pushed in ordepressed. By pushing in on the off-set push tab 906, thekicker-actuator 705 directs the actuator 706 to the de-latchingposition, allowing the fiber optic module 700 to be disengaged from thecage or receptacle 1100. As illustrated in 14B, the kicker-actuator 705pushes in on the actuator 706 causing the one or more ramps 1308 to pushout on the lip 1108 and release the latch 1102 from around the boss1002. With the catch or opening 1105 in the latch 1102 disengaged, thefiber optic module 700 can be pulled out from the cage or receptacle1100. The fiber optic module 700 can be pulled out by using thewithdrawal tab 708 and/or the nose grip (714L and 714R).

Referring now to FIG. 15, a flow chart diagram is illustrated of amethod of releasing a fiber-optic module that includes an embodiment ofthe invention. The method begins at step 1500 (i.e. start) using afiber-optic module, such as fiber optic module 700 for example, thatincludes an embodiment of the invention which is inserted into a modulecage or receptacle, such as the cage or receptacle 1100 for example. Themethod then jumps to step 1502. At step 1502, a user pushes in on therelease push-button or kicker-actuator 705 disengaging the latch 1102 ofthe cage or receptacle 1100 from the boss 1002 of the fiber optic module700 for example. At step 1504, the user then pulls out on thefiber-optic module using a pull mechanism such as the withdrawal tab 708or the nose grip (714L and 714R) of the nose receptacle to begin pullingout the fiber optic module. At the next step, step 1506, a check is madewhether the boss 1002 of the fiber optic module has cleared the key orlatch 1102. If past, the method jumps to step 1507 where a usercontinues to pull out on the fiber optic module until completely removedand the method ends at step 1508. If not past the latch 1102, the methodjumps back to step 1502 where a user continues to push in on the releasepush button or kicker-actuator 705 and continues to pull out on thefiber optic module at step 1504.

Referring now to FIG. 16, a flow chart diagram is illustrated of amethod of engaging a fiber-optic module that includes an embodiment ofthe invention into a cage or receptacle. The method begins at step 1600(i.e. start) using a fiber-optic module that includes the invention. Themethod then jumps to step 1602. At step 1602, the fiber-optic module isinserted and pushed into an opening in a module cage or receptacle. Atstep 1604, a check is then made to determine whether the fiber opticmodule is fully inserted into the cage or receptacle. An indicator isthe push button or kicker-actuator 705. If the push-button orkicker-actuator 705 is fully out, it is an indication that the fiberoptic module is fully inserted. If the fiber optic module is not fullyinserted, the fiber optic module needs to be pushed in further into themodule cage or receptacle at step 1602 so that the latch 1102 engagesthe boss 1002. If the fiber optic module is fully inserted, the methodjumps to step 1606 where the method ends.

It is desirable to include/increase the density of fiber optic modulesin a system. Another way of doing so is to place fiber optic modules ina belly-to-belly mounting configuration on opposite sides of a hostprinted circuit board.

Referring now to FIGS. 17A-17C, such a high density fiber optic system1700 is illustrated providing a belly-to-belly mounting configuration.System 1700 includes a face plate or bezel 1702, and a host printedcircuit board 1704. For a belly to belly configuration of fiber opticmodules, the bezel or face plate 1702 includes one or more openings1706A-1706B therein in order to allow fiber optic cables to interface tothe fiber optic modules, or in case of pluggable fiber optic modulessuch as fiber optic modules 700A and 700B, the openings 1706A-1706B inthe bezel or face plate 1702 also allow the insertion and removal of thefiber optic modules themselves. The kicker-actuator 705 facilitates easyremoval of the fiber optic module 700A and 700B when in a belly-to-bellyconfiguration. The kicker-actuator 705A of the fiber optic module 700Aand the kicker-actuator 705B of the fiber optic module 700B meettogether when both fiber optic modules are inserted into the respectivereceptacles or cage assembles 1100A and 1100B. The cage receptacles1100A and 1100B sandwich the host printed circuit boards 1704. Whileonly two fiber optic modules are illustrated in FIG. 17A in abelly-to-belly configuration, it is understood that additional fiberoptic modules can be arrayed out as belly-to-belly configured fiberoptic modules side by side in the system 1700 so that a plurality offiber optic modules 700 maybe inserted therein.

The respective kicker-actuator 705A and 705B mate together to form onebutton that can be utilized to de-latch out both fiber optic modules700A ad 700B at one time.

Referring now to FIGS. 18A-18D, details of how the mechanical elements702 of each of the fiber optic modules 700A and 700B come together in abelly-to-belly mounting configuration are illustrated.

The kicker-actuator 705A and the kicker-actuator 705B are interleavedwith a small gap there-between to allow either one or both to be pushedindividually or simultaneously to remove one or both fiber optic modules700A and 700B. The orientation indicator (i.e. an arrow sign 908) on thefront face of the off-set push tab 906 provides a clear indication as towhich fiber optic module does each actuator-kicker 705 serve during ahigh density module mounting or a belly-to-belly mounting configuration.The kicker-actuator 705A has its orientation indicator 908A pointingupward towards fiber optic module 700A. The kicker actuator 705B has itsorientation indicator 908B pointing downward towards fiber optic module700B. In this manner the orientation indicator 908 indicates which ofthe two push buttons to release the respective fiber optic module 700Aor 700B. Each of the respective kicker 705A and 705B couple to therespective actuator 706A and 706B of the fiber optic module 700A, 700Brespectively.

The gap between actuators 706A and 706B is rather small (approximately0.5mm or less). Without the kicker-actuators 705A and 705B, it isdifficult to access the respective actuators 706A and 706B. The designof the off-set push tab 906 enables the kicker-actuator 705 to befunctional at such a close gap in mounting the fiber optic modules.

Referring now to FIGS. 19A-19F and FIGS. 20A-20D, views of an integratedpush button actuator 1900 are illustrated. The integrated push buttonactuator 1900 includes features of the actuator 706 and thekicker-actuator 705 integrated into a single unit. The integrated pushbutton actuator 1900 includes an actuating end 1906 having one or moreramps 1909 at the end and slots or grooves 1921 at each side toslideably interface with the tangs 741 of the nose receptacle 704, anarm or push rod 1904, and a offset push tab 1906 that may have anorientation indicator 1908. The integrated push button actuator 1900 hasno hook that needs to couple together the kicker actuator 705 into anopening in the actuator 706. Thus, the integrated push button actuator1900 provides for lower assembly costs by reducing assembly steps. Theintegrated push button actuator 1900 need only be snapped into the tangs741 of the nose receptacle of the fiber optic module for assemblythereto.

FIGS. 21A-21D illustrate alternate push button embodiments for thekicker actuator 705 and the integrated push button actuator 1900 withoutan offset for the belly-to-belly mounting configuration. FIGS. 21A-21Billustrates a round or oval push button 906′ in line with the arm orpush rod. FIGS. 21C-21D illustrate a rectangular or square shaped pushbutton 906″ in line with the arm or push rod.

Referring now to FIGS. 22A-22H, an alternative embodiment of a nosereceptacle 2200, including a pull-actuator 2200 for fiber optic modulesis illustrated. The pull-actuator or de-latch puller 2202 can be used tode-couple and remove the fiber optic module (only the nose receptacle2200 portion is shown) by pulling the pull-actuator 2202 backwards oraway from the nose receptacle 2200.

The nose receptacle 2200 may be incorporated as part of a fiber opticmodule or pluggable fiber optic module as previously illustrated inother embodiments described above (i.e., 100, 700, etc.).

FIG. 22H illustrates how a fiber optic module (nose receptacle 2200portion shown) may include the pull-actuator 2202 and a pivot-armactuator 2204 to couple and decouple the fiber optic module to a cageassembly or module receptacle such as 1100 (only cage assembly latchportion 1102 is shown). When engaged, the pivot-arm actuator 2204latches with the cage assembly latch 1102 to secure the fiber opticmodule to the cage assembly.

FIG. 23 further illustrates the pull-actuator 2202, pivot-arm actuator2204 and cage assembly latch 1102. The pivot-arm actuator 2204 includesa latch key, keeper, pin, hook, or boss 2502 (these terms are hereinused interchangeably) which engages with a catch or opening 1105 in thecage assembly latch 1102 to secure the fiber optic module to the cageassembly 1100. When the pull-actuator 2202 is pulled away from the cageassembly 1100, the pull-actuator causes the pivot-arm actuator 2204 topivot about its pivoting pin 2506 to cause the keeper, hook or boss 2502to disengage from the cage latch 1102 thereby releasing the nosereceptacle 2200.

FIGS. 24A-24I illustrate one embodiment of the pull-actuator 2202. Thepull-actuator 2202 may include a pull-tab 2402, an orientation indicator2404, and a shaft or pull-arm 2406 coupled to the pull-tab 2402 at oneend. In alternative embodiments, the pull-tab 2402 may also be apull-button, a pull-hook, a pull-ring, a pull square, or any otherequivalent mechanism with which to activate the pull-actuator 2202. Afirst surface 2408 and a second surface 2410 are coupled to the otherend of the pull-arm 2406. The first surface 2408 includes an opening orcatch 2416 to allow the pivot-arm actuator to engage the pull-actuator.The second surface 2410 may be two tabs (FIGS. 24B, 2410A and 2410B)which define a channel 2418 through which the pivot-arm actuator 2204moves to engage the pull-actuator 2202.

The pull-actuator 2202 may also include an optional orientationindicator 2404 which serves to indicate the nose receptacle which thecorresponding pull-actuator releases. One implementation in which theorientation indicator 2404 is useful is where the fiber optic modulesare configured in a belly-to-belly configuration.

According to one embodiment, the first surface 2408 and the secondsurface 2410 may define grooves 2412 which serve to slideably couple thepull-actuator 2202 to the nose receptacle 2200. The nose receptacle 2200may include corresponding rails on which the grooves 2412 of thepull-actuator slide. In another embodiment, the grooves may be part ofthe nose receptacle 2200 with the rails being part of the pull-actuator2202.

As illustrated in FIG. 24H, the pull-actuator 2202 also comprises acatch or opening 2416 on which a keeper, hook, or boss 2504 of thepivot-arm actuator 2204 engages.

FIGS. 25A-25I illustrate one embodiment of a pivot-arm actuator 2204.The pivot-arm actuator 2204 comprises a pivoting pin 2506, a first latchkey, keeper, pin, hook, boss, or engaging triangle 2502 (these terms areherein used interchangeably) at a first end, and a second latch key,keeper, pin, hook, or boss 2504 at a second end opposite the first end.The first keeper or hook 2502 serves to secure or couple the nosereceptacle 2200 or fiber optic module to the cage assembly latch 1102.The second keeper or hook 2504 serves to couple the pivot-arm actuator2204 to the pull-actuator 2202.

According to an alternative embodiment, the first keeper and/or secondkeeper on the pivot-arm actuator 2204 may be a catch or opening, with acorresponding keeper on the pull-actuator 2202 and/or cage assembly 1100instead.

When the fiber optic module is fully engaged or secured to the cageassembly or module receptacle, the first keeper 2502 couples to anopening 1105 in the cage assembly latch 1102. The second keeper 2504couples to the catch or opening 2416 in the pull-actuator 2202. Thesecond keeper 2504 includes a ramped sliding surface 2508 which causesthe pivot-arm actuator 2204 to rotate or pivot when the pull-actuator2202 is pulled. The edge on the pull-actuator 2202 on which the rampedsliding surface 2508 pivots may be rounded in one embodiment.

The pivot-arm actuator 2204 is pivotally coupled to the body of the nosereceptacle 2200 by means of a pivoting pin 2506. In one embodiment, thepivoting pin 2506 fits through a corresponding opening in the fiberoptic module or nose receptacle body 2200.

FIGS. 26A-26C illustrate various cross-sectional views of a fiber opticmodule (nose assembly 2200 and latching mechanism 2202 and 2204 areshown) engaged or coupled to a cage assembly 1100 (cage latch portion1102 is shown). These figures show a latching mechanism employing thepull-actuator 2202 and pivot-arm actuator 2204 as illustrated in FIGS.24A-24I and FIGS. 25A-25I respectively.

The engaging triangle 2502 fits through a corresponding opening or catch1105 (shown in FIG. 23) to engage, couple, or secure the fiber opticmodule (only the nose receptacle 2200 portion is shown) to the cageassembly 1100 (only cage latch 1102 portion is shown). In the engagedposition, the second keeper 2504 on the pivot-arm actuator 2204 fitsthrough the opening or catch 2416 in the pull-actuator 2202. In thisposition, surface 2414 on the pull-actuator 2202 is adjacent to surface2510 (FIG. 25E) on the pivot-arm actuator 2204.

Referring now to FIGS. 27A-27C, the operation of the pull-actuator 2202and pivot-arm actuator 2204 when disengaging and withdrawing the fiberoptic module (nose receptacle 2200) from its cage assembly 1100 (cagelatch 1102) is illustrated.

To disengage the nose receptacle 2200 from the cage latch 1102, thepull-tab 2402 on the pull-actuator 2202 is pulled away from the fiberoptic module as illustrated. This causes a rounded edge 2702 on thelatching surface 2414 of the pull-actuator 2202 to move against theramped sliding surface 2508 of the pivot-arm actuator 2204. In turn, theforce exerted on the ramped sliding surface 2508 by the pull-actuator2202 causes the pivot-arm actuator 2204 to rotate or pivot about itspivoting pin 2506 thereby disengaging the engaging triangle or latch2502 from the cage latch opening 1105.

The fiber optic module may then be withdrawn or removed from the cageassembly by continuing to pull on the pull-actuator 2202 or by pullingon the nose grips 714 or the nose receptacle 2202 of the fiber opticmodule.

Referring now to FIGS. 28A-28I, yet another embodiment of thepull-actuator 2202′ is illustrated. In this embodiment, thepull-actuator 2202′ includes legs 2808 with end-stops 2820. Theend-stops 2820 prevent the pull-actuator 2202′ from moving beyond acertain point as it is pulled to release the fiber optic module from thecage assembly 1100.

The pull-actuator 2202′ may include a first surface 2810 with edges 2830that slide through grooves in the nose receptacle 2200′.

FIGS. 29A-29I illustrate yet another alternative embodiment of thepivot-arm actuator 2204′. In this embodiment the pivot-arm actuator2204′ further includes a spring 2912. According to various embodimentsthe spring 2912 may be formed from the same material as the pivot-armactuator 2204′ or it may be a separate component coupled to thepivot-arm actuator 2204′. The spring 2912 may be any kind of springincluding a coil spring, leaf spring, carriage spring, compressionspring, conical spring, helical spring, volute spring, spiral spring,scragged spring, and other well known types of springs. The pivot-armactuator 2204′ is pivotally coupled to the body of the nose receptacle2200′ by means of a pivoting pin 2906.

FIGS. 30A-30C illustrate various cross-sectional views of a fiber opticmodule (nose assembly 2200′ and latching mechanism 2202′ and 2204′shown) engaged or coupled to a cage assembly 1100(cage latch portion1102 is shown). These figures show a latching mechanism employing thepull-actuator 2202′ illustrated in FIGS. 28A-28I and pivot-arm actuator2204′ illustrated in FIGS. 29A-29I.

While the fiber optic module is engaged to the cage assembly, the spring2912 may provide some force to maintain the pivot-arm actuator 2204′ inan engaged position.

In the engaged position the end-stops 2820 of the pull-actuator 2202′are separated from a stopping edge 3102 of the nose receptacle 2200′.

FIGS. 31A-31C illustrate how the pull-actuator 2202′ and pivot-armactuator 2204′ operate when disengaging and withdrawing the fiber opticmodule (nose receptacle 2200′) from its cage assembly 1100 (cage latch1102 portion shown).

Pulling the pull-actuator 2202′ causes the pivot-arm actuator 2204′ topivot or rotate as a result of the force exerted by the rounded edge3104 of the pull-actuator 2202′ on the ramped sliding surface 2908 ofthe pivot-arm actuator 2204′. As described above, this causes theengaging triangle 2902 to disengage from the cage assembly latch 1102thereby disengaging the fiber optic module from the cage assembly.

When the pivot-arm actuator 2204′ rotates to disengage, the spring 2912becomes compressed, thereby exerting an opposite force on the pivot-armactuator 2204′.

When the pulling force on the pull-actuator 2202′ is removed or ceases,the spring 2912 decompresses causing the pivot-arm actuator 2204′ toreturn to its initial position. The movement of the pivot-arm actuator2204′ to its initial position causes pull-actuator 2202′ to be retractedinto the fiber optic module to its initial position. This is because theramped sliding surface 2908 exerts a retracting force on the roundededge 3104 as it rotates or pivots back into its initial position withinthe catch or opening 2816.

The end-stops 2820 serve to stop the pull-actuator 2202′ from beingpulled too far out as the pull-actuator is pulled. The nose receptacleassembly 2200′ includes a stopping edge 3102 to stop the end-stops 2820from moving beyond a certain point. The end-stops 2820, or theirequivalents, also permit the fiber optic module to be withdrawn from thecage assembly by continuing to pull on the pull-actuator 2202′.

Referring now to FIGS. 32A-32I, alternative embodiments of pullmechanisms for pull-actuators (i.e., 2202 or 2202′) are illustrated.Only the pull-arm 3206 portion (equivalent to 1904 in FIG. 20, 2406 inFIG. 24, or 2806 in FIG. 28) of the pull-actuator (i.e. 2202 or 2202′)is shown.

FIG. 32A shows a pull-actuator 2202A′ with a pivoting pull-ring 3202Apivotally coupled to the pull-arm 3206. The direction in which thepull-ring 3202A pivots is indicated by the arrows. In this embodiment,the pull-ring 3202A is horizontal with the pull-actuator 2202A′. A userpulls on the pivot-ring 3202A to retract the pull-actuator 2202A′.

FIG. 32B shows a pull-actuator 2202B′ with another pivoting pull-ring3202B pivotally coupled to the pull-arm 3206. In this embodiment, thepull-ring 3202B is vertical with the pull-actuator 2202B′. The arrowsindicate the direction in which the pull-ring 3202B pivots. A user pullson the pivoting pull-ring 3202B to retract the pull-actuator 2202B′.

FIG. 32C shows a pull-actuator 2202C′ with a fixed pull-ring 3202Ccoupled to the end of the pull-arm 3206. The pull-ring 3202C ishorizontal with the pull-actuator 2202C′. A user pulls on the pull-ring3202C to retract the pull-actuator 2202C′.

FIG. 32D shows a pull-actuator 2202D′ with another fixed pull-ring 3202Dcoupled to the end of the pull-arm 3206. The pull-ring 3202D is verticalwith the pull-actuator 2202D′. A user pulls on the pull-ring 3202D toretract the pull-actuator 2202D′.

FIG. 32E shows a pull-actuator 2202E′ with another fixed pull-ring 3202Ecoupled to the end of the pull-arm 3206. The pull-ring 3202E is at anangle to the pull-actuator 2202E′. A user pulls on the pull-ring 3202Eto retract the pull-actuator 2202E′.

FIG. 32F shows a pull-actuator 2202F′ with pull-square 3202F coupled tothe end of the pull-arm 3206. The pull-square 3202F is horizontal withthe pull-actuator 2202F′. A user pulls on the pull-square 3202F toretract the pull-actuator 2202F′.

FIG. 32G shows a pull-actuator 2202G′ with a pull-hook 3202G at the endof the pull-arm 3206. A user pulls on the pull-hook 3202G to retract thepull-actuator 2202G′.

FIG. 32H shows a pull-actuator 2202H′ with a pull-button 3202H coupledto the end of the pull-arm 3206. A user pulls on the pull-button 3202Hto retract the pull-actuator 2202H′.

FIG. 32I shows a pull-actuator 2202I′ with a pull-knob 3202I coupled tothe end of the pull-arm 3206. A user pulls on the pull-knob 3202I toretract the pull-actuator 2202I′.

FIGS. 32A-32I provide some embodiments of pull-mechanisms for thepull-actuator (i.e. 2202 or 2202′) and that other pull-mechanisms knownto those skilled in the art may also be employed.

Referring now to FIGS. 33A-33D, various views of a belly-to-bellymounting configuration for another embodiment of the invention isillustrated. The fiber optic module illustrated in FIGS. 32A-32D employpull-actuators 2202 and 2202′, or their equivalents, illustrated inFIGS. 24 and 28. In FIGS. 32A-32D, the pull-actuators 2202A and 2202Bare designed such that they do no interfere with each other when thefiber optic modules and their respective nose receptacles 2200A and2200B are stacked as shown. This belly-to-belly configuration for fiberoptic modules is described with reference to FIGS. 17A-17D above; thatdescription applies to fiber optic modules employing the pull-actuators(i.e., 2202 and 2202′) described herein.

Referring now to FIGS. 34A-34I, various views of a subassembly of a nosereceptacle 3402 including a bail latch delatching mechanism for fiberoptic modules is illustrated. The nose receptacle 3402 is portion of amechanical subassembly of a fiber optic module but only the nosereceptacle 3402 portion of the fiber optic module is shown in FIGS.34A-34I. The nose receptacle 3402, also referred to as a nose, is analternate embodiment to the nose receptacle or nose 151 in the fiberoptic module 100 and the nose receptacle or nose 704 in the fiber opticmodules 700, 700′, and 700″.

The nose receptacle 3402 includes a bail latch 3404, a pivoting pin3406, and an actuator 3408. The bail latch 3404 includes a push tab,actuating tab, kick, or push mechanism 3410 for pushing on the actuator3408 and disengaging the fiber optic module from a cage. With a fiberoptic module engaged into a cage or module receptacle, the bail latch3404 can be used to disengage and withdrawal the fiber optic module fromthe cage or receptacle, such as cage or receptacle 1100 illustrated inFIG. 11. That is, the bail latch 3404 serves as the mechanical device tocontact the actuator 3408 and push it to it's forward positiondisengaging the locking tab or latch 1102 on the cage or receptacle 1100from holding onto the locking triangle or boss 1002 of the nose or nosereceptacle 3402.

To disengage the fiber optic module from the cage or receptacle, thebail latch 3404 is first moved from an engaged position to a disengagedposition. In one embodiment, the engaged position is a vertical positionwhile the disengaged position is in a horizontal position. As discussedfurther below, other embodiments of the bail latch and the actuator mayprovide differing engaged and disengaged positions with respect to thenose receptacle 3402 and the fiber optic module of which it is a partthereof. The fiber optic module is withdrawn by pulling out or backwardon the bail latch 3404 of the nose receptacle 3402. The bail latch 3404provides sufficient grip and accesses the actuator 3408 for thede-latching for the withdrawing process of the fiber optic module from acage or receptacle. In one embodiment, the nose receptacle 3402 is apart of an SFP fiber optic module for engaging an SFP cage.

Referring now to FIGS. 35A-35I various views of a first embodiment ofthe bail latch 3404 including the pivoting pin 3406 for one embodimentof the invention are illustrated.

The bail latch 3404 includes a pair of pivot points or side tabs 3502;the push tab, kick, or push mechanism 3410; and a pulling arm orpull-handle 3504 coupled to a center member 3505 as shown andillustrated in FIGS. 35A-35I. In one embodiment, these components ofbail latch 3404 can hug along the front face and side face of the nosereceptacle 3402 and form a G-like shape when viewed from the side. Thepivot points or side tabs 3502 can each include a hole or opening 3506to accept the pivot pin 3406. The center axis of the two holes oropenings 3506 in the side tabs 3502 is the axis of pivoting of the baillatch 3404 and hence the pivoting pin 3406 is located there at. Duringoperation, the bail latch 3404 is rotatably coupled to the nosereceptacle 3402 by the pivoting pin 3406.

The pulling arm or pull-handle 3504 includes an opening 3412 whichallows a finger to be inserted to pull out the fiber optic module whenin an disengaged position. The opening 3412 also allows fiber opticplugs and optical fibers to be inserted into the nose receptacle 3402when its in an engaged position. The pulling arm or pull handle 3504 mayinclude a grip 3414 to ease grabbing the bail latch 3404 from an engagedposition into a disengaged position. The bail latch 3404 can be formedout of metal, plastic (including a thermoplastic), thermosett, epoxy, orother solid materials.

The pivoting pin 3406, which can also be referred to as a rod, is a longthin rod or cylinder of metal, thermoplastic, thermosett, epoxy or othersolid material having an axis about which the bail latch can be rotated.The pivoting pin 3406 holds the bail latch rotatably coupled together tothe nose receptacle 3402. The pivoting pin serves as a pivoting devicefor bail latch 3404. Secondarily, the pivoting pin 3406 holds the baillatch coupled to the nose receptacle 3402 as shown in FIG. 3. The nosereceptacle 3402 includes a pair of openings or holes in each side oralternatively a long opening or hole through its body if solid at thatpoint to accept the pivoting pin 3406. Referring momentarily to FIGS.38D and 38E, an opening 3801 in the left side of the nose receptacle3402 is illustrated with the pivoting pin 3406 inserted therein.

Referring now to FIGS. 36A-36I, various views of the actuator 3408 areillustrated. The actuator 3408 is somewhat similar to the structure andfunctionality of the actuator 706 previously described with reference toFIGS. 7A-14B and the fiber optic modules described therein. In oneembodiment, the actuator 3408 is a conventional actuator in conformancewith the MSA Standard for SFP fiber optic modules. In other embodiments,the actuator 3408 may be tailored to appropriately couple with the baillatch 3404. The actuator 3408 functions to disengage the fiber opticmodule from the cage 1100 when pushed by the push tab 2410 of the baillatch 3404.

The actuator 3408 includes a butting surface 3601; a pair of slidingguide slots or grooves 721 on each side; and one or more ramps, wedgesor lifters (a pair of which are illustrated) 1308. The butting surface3601 is part of the back side of the actuator 3408 while the ramps,wedges, or lifters 1308 are part of the front side of the actuator 3408.The slot or grooves 721 on each side of the actuator 3408 have anopening at one end and a closure at an opposite end. The slot or grooves721 slideably engage tangs 741 in the nose receptacle 3402. Whileillustrated in FIGS. 34G and 34F, the tangs 741 of the nose receptacle3402 are better illustrated in the exploded view of the nose receptacle704 of FIG. 7B. The butting surface 3601 of the actuator 3408 makescontact with the push tab 3410 of the bail latch 3404 when the fiberoptic module is being disengaged. The one or more ramps, wedges, orlifters 1308 make contact with the latch 1102 of the cage 1100 todisengage the fiber optic module as is described below and in FIGS. 12,13A-13B, and 14A-14B. The actuator 3408 may be formed out of metal,thermoplastic, thermosett, epoxy or other solid material.

Referring now to FIGS. 37A-37E and FIGS. 38A-38E, variouscross-sectional views of an integrated nose assembly and latchingmechanism of FIGS. 34A-34I in the engaged position and the disengagedposition respectively for one embodiment of the invention areillustrated.

In FIGS. 37A-37E, the bail latch 3404 in an upright, closed, or engagedposition. That is, the fiber optic module can be securely engaged withthe cage with the bail latch 3404 in this position. The fiber opticmodule can be pushed into the cage 1100 with the bail latch 3404 in itsupright, closed, or engaged position. With the bail latch 3404 in itsupright, closed, or engaged position, the actuator 3408 and its ramps,wedges, or lifters 1308 can be in a backward, locking or engagingposition well away from the boss or locking triangle 1002 in the nosereceptacle 3402. This allows the boss or locking triangle 1002 in thenose receptacle 3402 to mate or engage into the opening or catch 1105 inthe latch 1102. The bail latch 3404 can be pulled on as shown by theforce arrow 3701 to cause it to first rotate around the axis of thepivoting pin 3406 as illustrated by the arrow 3702. As the bail latch3404 rotates from its an upright, closed, or engaged position a user caninsert the same finger into the opening 3412 of the pull handle 3414 inorder to continue pulling outward on the fiber optic module.

In FIGS. 38A-38E, the bail latch 3404 is in a horizontal, open, ordisengaged position. The bent portion of handle 3414 allows a user tokeep the finger in the opening 3412 and continue pulling outward on thefiber optic module even when its in the horizontal, open, or disengagedposition. By pulling on the bail latch 3404, the bail latch can firstrotate around the axis along the bottom portion of the nose receptacle3402. As the bail latch 3404 rotates, the push tab 3410 of the baillatch 3404 extends gradually forward. The extension of push tab 3410comes in contact with the butting surface 3601 of the actuator 3408 toslide it forward towards the latch 1102 of the cage 1100. The forwardthrust of the actuator 3408 causes the ramps 1308 to push out on thelatch 1102 freeing the boss or triangle 1002 from the opening 1102 inthe cage 1000 to disengage the fiber optic module from the cage 1100. Inan alternate embodiment, the cage may include a boss or locking trianglewhich is pushed out of a hole or opening in the nose receptacle todisengage the fiber optic module from the cage. A continuous pullingaction, as illustrated by the pull force 3802 on the bail latch 3404,can withdraw the fiber optic module fully out of the cage. In thismanner a single continuous pulling action on the bail latch 3404 candisengage and withdraw the fiber optic module out of the cage. With thebail latch 3404 in its horizontal, open, or disengaged position, it canbe easily be returned to its upright, closed, or engaged position withinor without the cage 1100 by using an opposite force. Alternatively, thebail latch 3404 could be spring loaded by including a spring to returnit to its upright, closed, or engaged position on its own.

The action of the actuator 3408 is similar to that of the actuator 706and the one or more ramps, wedges, or lifters 1308 as described withrespect to FIGS. 12, 13A-13B, and 14A-14B.

FIGS. 39A-39H illustrate various views of alternate embodiments of thebail latch 3404 as well as other delatching mechanisms that can functionsimilar to the bail latch 3404 with a push tab 3410.

FIG. 39A illustrates a bail latch 3404A′ in which the pivot pin 3406 isreplaced with two smaller pins 3406A′ that do not extend across thewidth of the bail latch 3404A′. The bail latch 3404A′ includes theactuating tab 3410.

FIG. 39B illustrates a latch 3404B′ with a partial pull arm 3504B′coupled to a lever 3901 instead of a complete bail latch pull arm. Thebail latch 3404B′ may include a pair of pivot pins 3406B′ instead of thepivot pin 3406.

FIG. 39C illustrates a latch 3404C′ with a partial pull arm (as in FIG.39B) with a long pivot pin 3406C′ coupled to the latch 3404C′ at onlyone side.

FIG. 39D illustrates a bail latch 3404D′ with an enclosed pull arm3504D′ with no angles. The latch 3404D′ further includes anotherembodiment of the actuating tab 3410D′ where the tab has an oval orcircular tip to slide on the butting surface 3601 and release the fiberoptic module. The actuating tab 3410D′ is narrower than the firstactuating tab 3410.

FIG. 39E illustrates a bail latch 3404E′ with a semi-circular pull arm3504E′.

FIG. 39F illustrates a latch 3404F′ with just a lever arm 3504F′ torelease the fiber optic module from the cage assembly.

FIG. 39G illustrates a latch 3404G′ with pivoting conical retainers3406G′ instead of pivot pins to couple the latch 3404G′ to the fiberoptic module.

FIG. 39H illustrates a bail latch 3404H′ with holes 3902 rather thanpins. The fiber optic module or nose receptacle provides pins orprotrusions which fit through the holes 3902 to pivotally couple thelatch 3404H′ to the fiber optic module.

Referring now to FIGS. 40A-40I various views of how the bail-latchdelatching mechanism would function in a belly-to-belly mountingconfiguration for another embodiment of the invention. A first fiberoptic module and a second fiber optic module can be engaged into cagesin a belly to belly configuration in which case a first nose receptacle3402A would be adjacent and parallel to a second nose receptacle 3402Bas illustrated in FIGS. 40A-40I. The bail latch de-latching mechanismcan be designed to functional at extreme close gap condition when usinga belly to belly mounting configuration as illustrated if FIGS. 40A-40I.That is, the distance between top and bottom cages or receptacles can beless than 1.0 millimeter and allow the bail latches 3404A and 3404B ofthe first and second nose receptacles 3402A and 3402B respectively toproperly function into an open or closed position.

While FIGS. 40A-40I illustrate only the first bail latch 3404A being inan open or engaged position, either the first or second bail latches3404A or 3404B can be opened or in a disengaged position. Alternatively,both the top or bottom bail latches 3404A and 3404B can be opened ordisengaged for some reason if desired. This belly-to-belly configurationfor fiber optic modules is described further with reference to FIGS.17A-17D above; that description applies to fiber optic modules employingthe bail latch delatching mechanism of the nose receptacle 3402described herein.

The invention has a number of advantages over the prior art that will berecognized by those of ordinary skill in the art after thoroughlyreading this disclosure.

While certain exemplary embodiments have been described and shown in theaccompanying drawings, it is to be understood that such embodiments aremerely illustrative of and not restrictive on the broad invention, andthat this invention not be limited to the specific constructions andarrangements shown and described, since various other modifications mayoccur to those ordinarily skilled in the art. While the invention hasbeen described in particular embodiments, the invention should not beconstrued as limited by such embodiments.

1. A pivot-arm actuator for fiber optic modules having one or moreelectro-optic transducers, the pivot-arm actuator comprising: a pivotarm rotationally coupled to a fiber optic module, the pivot arm torotate and release the fiber optic module from a cage assembly inresponse to a pull-actuator being pulled; and a pivoting pin coupled tothe fiber optic module, the pivoting pin to rotationally couple thepivot arm to the fiber optic module.
 2. The pivot-arm actuator of claim1 wherein the pivot arm includes a first engaging end with a keeper toengage the fiber optic module to the cage assembly.
 3. The pivot-armactuator of claim 1 wherein the pivot arm includes a first engaging endwith a latch to engage the fiber optic module to the cage assembly. 4.The pivot-arm actuator of claim 1 wherein the pivot arm includes a firstengaging end to engage the fiber optic module to the cage assembly andto release the fiber optic module there-from, and a second engaging endopposite the first engaging end, the second engaging end to engage thepivot arm to the pull-actuator.
 5. The pivot-arm actuator of claim 1wherein the pivot arm includes a second engaging end opposite the firstengaging end, the second engaging end having a latch to engage the pivotarm to the pull-actuator.
 6. The pivot-arm actuator of claim 4 whereinthe second engaging end of the pivot arm having a hook to couple into anopening of the pull-actuator.
 7. The pivot-arm actuator of claim 4wherein the first engaging end and the second engaging end of the pivotarm rotate about the pivoting pin with the pivot arm.
 8. The pivot-armactuator of claim 7 wherein the pivoting pin couples to the pivot armbetween the first engaging end and the second engaging end.
 9. Thepivot-arm actuator of claim 8 wherein the pivoting pin is rigidlycoupled to the pivot arm and rotationally coupled to the fiber opticmodule in order to rotationally couple the pivot arm to the fiber opticmodule.
 10. The pivot-arm actuator of claim 8 wherein the pivoting pin irotationally coupled to the pivot arm and rigidly coupled to the fiberoptic module in order to rotationally couple the pivot arm to the fiberoptic module.
 11. The pivot-arm actuator of claim 8 wherein the pivotingpin is rotationally coupled to the pivot arm and rotationally coupled tothe fiber optic module in order to rotationally couple the pivot arm tothe fiber optic module.
 12. The pivot-arm actuator of claim 4 whereinthe pivot arm includes a ramped sliding surface at the first end whichcauses the pivot arm to rotate when the pull-actuator is pulled therebyreleasing the fiber optic module from the cage assembly.
 13. Thepivot-arm actuator of claim 12 wherein the pivot arm further includes akeeper at a second end opposite the first end, the keeper to couple thefiber optic module to the cage assembly and to release the fiber opticmodule from the cage assembly in response to the pivot arm beingrotated.
 14. A pivot-arm actuator for fiber optic modules, the pivot-armactuator comprising: a pivot arm having a first end and a second endopposite the first end, the pivot arm rotationally coupled to a fiberoptic module, the pivot arm to rotate and release the fiber optic modulefrom a cage assembly in response to a movement of a first actuator; apivoting pin coupled to the fiber optic module, the pivoting pin coupledto the pivot arm between first end and the second end of the pivot arm,the pivoting pin to rotationally couple the pivot arm to the fiber opticmodule; and a keeper coupled to the first end of the pivot arm, thekeeper to engage the fiber optic module with the cage assembly.
 15. Thepivot-arm actuator of claim 14 wherein the keeper to rotate with thepivot arm and release the fiber optic module from the cage assembly inresponse to the movement of the first actuator.
 16. The pivot-armactuator of claim 15 wherein the second end of the pivot arm to coupleto the first actuator.
 17. The pivot-arm actuator of claim 15 whereinthe keeper of the pivot arm engages a latch of the cage assembly toengage the fiber optic module with the cage assembly.
 18. A pivot-armactuator for fiber optic modules having one or more electro-optictransducers, the pivot-arm actuator comprising: a pivot arm rotationallycoupled to a fiber optic module, the pivot arm to rotate and release thefiber optic module from a cage assembly in response to a movement of afirst actuator; a pivoting pin coupled to the fiber optic module, thepivoting pin to rotationally couple the pivot arm to the fiber opticmodule; and the pivot arm having a first end and a second end oppositethe first end, the pivoting pin between the first end and the second endof the pivot arm, the first end of the pivot arm to engage the fiberoptic module with the cage assembly and to release the fiber opticmodule there-from, the second end of the pivot arm to couple to thefirst actuator.
 19. The pivot-arm actuator of claim 18 wherein thepivoting pin is rigidity coupled to the pivot arm and rotationallycoupled to the fiber optic module in order to rotationally couple thepivot arm to the fiber optic module.
 20. The pivot-arm actuator of claim18 wherein the pivoting pin is rotationally coupled to the pivot arm andrigidly coupled to the fiber optic module in order to rotationallycouple the pivot arm to the fiber optic module.
 21. The pivot-armactuator of claim 18 wherein the pivoting pin is rotationally coupled tothe pivot arm and rotationally coupled to the fiber optic module inorder to rotationally couple the pivot arm to the fiber optic module.22. The pivot-arm actuator of claim 18 wherein the first end and thesecond end of the pivot arm to rotate with the pivot arm about thepivoting pin.
 23. The pivot-arm actuator of claim 18 wherein the firstactuator is a pull-actuator to couple to the second end of the pivotarm, and the pivot arm rotates and releases the fiber optic module fromthe cage assembly in response to the pull-actuator being pulled.
 24. Thepivot-arm actuator of claim 18 wherein the first end of the pivot armhas a keeper to engage the fiber optic module with the cage assembly andto release the fiber optic module from the cage assembly.
 25. Thepivot-arm actuator of claim 24 wherein the keeper of the pivot armengages a latch of the cage assembly.
 26. The pivot-arm actuator ofclaim 18 wherein the first end of the pivot arm has a latch to engagethe fiber optic module with the cage assembly and to release the fiberoptic module from the cage assembly.
 27. The pivot-arm actuator of claim26 wherein the latch of the pivot arm engages a keeper of the cageassembly.